E.U. chief Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc was ready for a trade deal with Washington, but hinted at preparations for countermeasures if a July 9 deadline was not reached.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed to EU leaders the launch of a Europe-led initiative to establish a structured trade cooperation with Asian countries, potentially laying the groundwork for an alternative to the gridlocked World Trade Organisation (WTO).